The noise-canceling earbuds, to be precise, have been one of the less conspicuous options we have always opted for and focussed on.
However, with many options currently available for excellent functionality, it should be pretty obvious to find the best among them for your needs. In this context, we considered comparing Sony LinkBuds, AirPods Pro, and Sony WF 1000MX4 and checking out the pros and cons offered by the three capable headphones.
Sony Linkbuds vs XM4 vs Airpods Pro – The Comparison Chart
| Features |
|
|
|
| Type | In-ear headphones | In-ear headphones | In-ear headphones |
| Connectivity | True Wireless Stereo (TWS) | Headphones | True Wireless Stereo (TWS) |
| Driver Size | 5 mm | 6 mm | |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20,000Hz | 20–20,000 Hz | 100Hz and 3000Hz |
| Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codec support | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC | NA |
| Multipoint Bluetooth support | No | No | Yes |
Sony LinkBuds – An Overview
The Sony LinkBuds has been one of the excellent options for providing you access to one of the most potent prospects among the best audio products in 2022. It does look a little quirky when it comes to its appearance in comparison to the other wireless earbuds.
The ring-shaped tips should be what would make it stand apart from the rest. It would nestle quite gently and comfortably into the curves of your ears. The final result of this design is the best degree of comfortability that it provides you access to.
The plastic construction of the headphones would make them extremely lightweight. You would get access to as many as five different detachable silicone ear fins – extra small, small, medium, large, and extra-large.
The new earbuds come with the new control mechanism that Sony loves calling Wide Area Tap. The technology is turned on by default. This is equivalent to the regular on-the-ear tap control, but you would tap the space in front of the ear. You can slightly tap on your face to skip the songs.
The earbuds will work great if you download the Sony Headphones Connect app. The compatible app makes it one of the unique choices for a compelling companion app.
The EQ and firmware update provides you access to a more remarkable performance along with the Sony 360 Reality Audio feature. The feature does support only a few streaming services as of now, but we will look for updates in the future.
The app brings many essential improvements in terms of the customization of the on-ear controls. Each earbud comes with an individual control profile. A host of control options offered through the companion app would include gaining control over volume, the ability to go back to a song, voice assistant activation, and Spotify access.
The adaptive volume control should be yet another great option that you would find quite interesting and unique. The earbuds work with Bluetooth 5.2 and support the AAC codec and the default SBC. You do not have access to any Bluetooth Multipoint option.
As for the battery backup, if you go with the consistent output peaking at 75dB (SPL), you would get a backup of 5 hours or at the most 6 hours. That should be a good option in terms of the truly wireless earbuds.
The charging case would provide another 12 hours of battery backup. The earbuds support USB C charging but do not support wireless charging. You can also get access to the fast-charging capability. The 10 minutes of charging can provide 90 minutes of listening to your favorite music.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- A new and unique method for earbuds control
- A great battery backup
Cons
- Low bass
Sony WF – 1000XM4 – A Sneak Peek
The Sony WF 1000 XM4 has been one of the most popular and true wireless earbuds that have redefined the experience for the music buffs out there. While it has limitations, it still boasts of a proper wireless design equipped with ANC.
Almost all the features that include noise attenuation, sound quality, and user experience have been rated as one of the high-end. Sony has taken pains to improve based on customer feedback.
The package comes with three customized earplugs, a charging case, and a charging cable. The voice assistant and other integrations are very much in place.
To get the most out of your headphones, you need to download the Sony Headphones Connect app. The V1 processor onboard does not consume much energy for noise cancellation and high-resolution playback.
That would mean you will have a good battery backup. The wireless charging offered through the Qi-compatible pads should be yet another huge plus point.
The controls can be understood as discussed here –
| Particulars | Left Bud | Right Bud |
| One tap | Mute/ANC/Ambient sound | Play/Pause |
| Two taps | N/A | Track forward/answer call |
| Three taps | N/A | Track backward |
| Long press | N/A | Smart assistant |
The WF-1000 XM4 can go for 7 hours and 43 minutes per charge. The charging case can further charge the headphones two more times. That should make it around 21 hours of backup, including the charging case. The active noise cancellation offered by the earbuds is one of the excellent options. You would find getting access to one of the best possible noise isolation.
As for the audio experience, the foam ear tips provide you access to a terrific seal for one of the most unique and excellent listening experiences ever. Other great options that you would find quite unique include adaptive sound modes, plenty of equalizer settings, and customized touch controls.
Pros
- An excellent noise canceling
- A powerful audio quality
- Transparency mode
Cons
- An expensive price tag
- No Bluetooth multipoint option
AirPods Pro – An Overview
A significantly lower-priced option among the best earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro should indeed be one of the excellent choices that you would find quite impressive in every right.
The wireless charging case would make it more unique and exciting in every respect. A great fit and an active noise cancellation would make it stand apart from all other options in this comparison.
The new design, new feature, and new pricing – that is perhaps what would define the new AirPods Pro earbuds. The earbuds seal the ear perfectly, and that should make it a great option to go with.
Before you can begin using the earbuds, make sure that you have found the right fit for your ears. They would fit really well inside your ear canal.
The lack of several settings and things would make it stand apart and provide you with a complete experience beyond doubts. It just works – just the way you want to, and that is what would make it a clear leader.
Yet another feature that we found pretty interesting would include the Find My AirPods feature. This will let you find your AirPods if you have misplaced them.
The waterproof construction and IPX4 rating are two features that should make it an excellent choice for sportspeople. The companion app and the ability to connect it to your iOS device further make it a great choice in almost every possible way. And yes, it should be noticed that the earbuds would work in a very comfortable manner with your Android device as well.
As for the battery life, the earbuds provide you access to 4 hours and 30 minutes of constant listening. The charging case should be capable of providing you with 24 hours of backup time. The Qi wireless charging can further make it a great choice.
Pros
- It is an excellent fit with multiple ear tip options
- A significant degree of active noise cancellation
- A powerful sound quality
Cons
- The design may not be aesthetic for everyone.
Which Headphones should you go with?
Well, each of those headphones has its plus and minus points. However, each of the headphones should serve the purpose of different scenarios. Based on which category you belong to, you can pick the right choices for your requirements.
Who should go with Sony LinkBuds?
The link LinkBuds from Sony should be an excellent choice for
- Anyone who wants a decent music experience but does not care much about the noise cancellation
- Anyone who does not miss out on bass
- Anyone who does not like the sealed ear experience
Who should go with AirPods Pro?
The AirPods are an excellent choice for
- The iPhone users who need a wireless earbud
- Those who are frequently on conference calls.
- Those involved in frequent cardio exercises and gymgoers
Who should go with the Sony WH 1000XM4?
The Sony WH 1000XM4 can be great for
- Every music lover would want to go with them
- Those looking for the best active noise cancellation experience
- Those who are always in a commute mode
The Concluding Thoughts
The three headphones /earbuds combination we discussed here should prove to be quite effective and efficient in providing you access to a great degree of experience in enjoying a perfect audio performance. You can choose the right choices based on your requirements and expectations.